In the joyous, chaotic weeks that follow a baby’s arrival, many fathers want to play an active role but often feel constrained by cultural norms and workplace demands—pressures that can be especially strong in Asian societies. Now, researchers are starting to uncover how at least two weeks of dedicated ‘dad time’ at home can shape family routines and support child development, positioning paternity leave as far more than just a workplace perk.
“Currently, many fathers in Singapore hesitate to take paternity leave, especially those in lower-income or manual roles,” said Jean Yeung, Director of Social Sciences at the A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP). “Qualitative research suggests that they fear being penalised or replaced at work, or struggle with perceptions of childcare as ‘women’s work’. However, paternity leave is critical because it helps fathers bond with their children and strengthens couples’ relationships.”
In the first study of its kind in the world, Yeung and former A*STAR IHDP Scientist, Nanxun Li, provided quantitative evidence hinting at the long-term effects of paternity leave on family relationships and early childhood development. They drew on data from the Singapore Longitudinal Early Development Study (SG-LEADS): a nationally representative project which followed the socioemotional, cognitive and health trajectories of children in Singapore across two surveys in 2018 and 2021.
Yeung and Li tracked how varying durations of paternity leave affected academic and behavioural outcomes in 3,895 children below 7 years old living in two-parent households where mothers were primary caregivers.
“Overall, we found fathers who took a minimum of two weeks’ paternity leave were more involved in childcare, formed closer father-child bonds and enhanced family dynamics—meaning there were reduced conflicts between family members, while mothers were more satisfied in their marriages and less stressed about child raising,” Yeung explained. “Among the mediators of children’s outcomes, family dynamics emerged as the strongest predictor of fewer behavioural problems, while also showing a positive relationship with verbal development.”
Improved father-child bonds were also closely linked to stronger behavioural and cognitive outcomes, both of which were measured when the target child was between 3 and 8 years old. Yeung posited that children with engaged fathers had the benefits of richer conversations and play activities that encouraged curiosity, problem-solving and confidence, laying the foundations for learning.
In contrast, a single week’s paternity leave had no observable positive impacts. “One week could be too short for fathers to build routines, learn new childcare skills and coordinate with mothers,” said Yeung.
Yeung added that these findings indicate how paternity leave should be seen as a social investment not just for individual families, but also for employers, communities and countries. “Raising a child isn’t just a private family matter, but a shared national responsibility, as strong families and healthy child development help build a stronger, more productive and more cohesive society in the long run,” Yeung concluded.
The A*STAR-affiliated researchers contributing to this research are from the A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP).
